Which hydrocarbon makes up the largest percentage of natural gas?

Which hydrocarbon makes up the largest percentage of natural gas?

• A. Ethane
• B. Methane
• C. Propane
• D. Butane

Answer: (B)

Natural gas is dominated by methane because it is the simplest and most stable hydrocarbon formed during the thermal breakdown of organic matter. Methane remains a gas under typical surface conditions, so it makes up the largest share of natural gas. The other hydrocarbons—ethane, propane, and butane—are heavier and occur in smaller amounts; they’re often removed or separated out as natural gas liquids or used as separate fuels. So the main component you’ll find in natural gas, in the greatest proportion, is methane.

Natural gas is dominated by methane because it is the simplest and most stable hydrocarbon formed during the thermal breakdown of organic matter. Methane remains a gas under typical surface conditions, so it makes up the largest share of natural gas. The other hydrocarbons—ethane, propane, and butane—are heavier and occur in smaller amounts; they’re often removed or separated out as natural gas liquids or used as separate fuels. So the main component you’ll find in natural gas, in the greatest proportion, is methane.